Classic chickpea hummus is a Middle Eastern dip made with mashed chickpeas and tahini (sunflower seed paste). Many people don’t have tahini paste in their pantry. With this recipe, you won’t need it. As long as you have sunflower seeds and a food processor or mixer, you can make your own delicious hummus. Chickpea hummus is a great staple to have on hand if you are looking to eat healthier. Chickpeas, or Garbanzo beans, are the main ingredient and are high in protein. It’s naturally low in saturated fat. Olive oil, as many people known, is a good, healthy fat.
This Classic Chickpea Hummus can be eaten as an appetizer with fresh pita or naan bread, as a dip with fresh vegetables, or as a sandwich spread. You’ll usually find this hummus in my fridge. My children and I love to dip fresh carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, bell pepper slices, broccoli florets, and sliced celery in it. It’s a healthier alternative to ranch dressing. It’s naturally dairy free, gluten free, and sugar free.
This is a great recipe and I’m sure you’ll agree. The taste of the freshly ground sunflower seeds is awesome and makes this hummus fabulous. Try it for yourself and see for yourself!
Classic Chickpea Hummus

Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 1/2 lemon juiced, about 2 tablespoons
- 2 cups chickpeas, drained
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 Tablespoons water
Instructions
- Add the sunflower seeds and lemon juice to a food processor or blender. Pulse until seeds become a paste. Remove the lid and scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add chickpeas, garlic, and salt into a blender or food processor. Turn machine on and puree/blend for 30 seconds. Hummus will be very thick and a little lumpy at this point.
- With machine turned on, slowly add the olive oil and water into the hummus. Puree/blend until smooth. If hummus is to thick, you can add more water until you get a consistency you like.
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I’m glad to have this recipe, Nicky. I had heard that you could make hummus with sunflower seeds, but didn’t know the correct proportions. Now between your recipe and Christina’s, I can always make hummus, whether I have tahini on hand or not.
Tahini is actually sunflower seed butter. Freshly ground is always better. I hope you enjoy it.
One of my good friends from Canada swears by hummus. I had it once and didn’t like it. Maybe I should try it again.
This is a recipe my kids like and eat often. If you decide to try it, let me know how you like it.
I love the addition of sunflower seeds which I tend to have on hand more than tahini. I suppose I could use sesame seeds and some sesame oil too. Nice recipe!
I missed that. I didn’t mean to mention sesame seeds in the article. But I think sesame seeds and oil would be great.
I love, love, love hummus! Pinned~
Thanks Jessica
I love hummus! Thanks for the recipe.
You’re welcome. I like add it on so many things.
Jan08 I had the urge to comment here because I notice the “weekenders” rarely has comments. I fear you’ll mistake a lack of comments for lack of readership. Please know that I LIVE by this summery of weekend events and I would be heartbroken to lose it! (Not that you’re getting rid of it – but, like a relative who never receives thank you notes one day decides to stop sending presents, I wanted that thank you before the well ran dry!)
I’ve never heard of using sunflower seeds. That sounds like a great addition! I looooooove hummus…douse in lemon juice and I’ll polish it off alone, thank you very much!
Christine, hummus is made with Tahini which is nothing more than ground sunflower seed butter. Grinding your own just tastes so much better.
Thanks for the recipe. I love hummus and would like to try to make it.
You’re welcome Joanne. Let me know how you like it.
I love hummus but I’ve never tried to make it. Thanks for the recipe!
Talya, it’s really easy to make and keeps in the fridge for about a week.
Yum, I’m a huge fan of hummus, but I’ve never tried making it. Pinning for later 🙂
Thanks Celeste. I hope you enjoy it
One of my old housemates loves Hummus, I’m trying to eat healthily so I’ll have to give this recipe a try, looks really yummy!
Thanks Hannah. It’s great on so many things. I hope you enjoy it